News

Mount scholars honored by Sr. Diane Kennedy, OP

Sr. Diane Kennedy, OP, discusses Dominican traditions with some
of the Mount’s scholars.

Sr. Diane Kennedy, OP, the vice president for Mission and
Ministry of Dominican University in Illinois, recently
congratulated some of Mount Saint Mary College’s brightest
scholars.

Sr. Kennedy, a member of the Sinsinawa Dominicans, was an
integral part of Spirit of the Mount Week, which celebrates the
Dominican Sisters who began the Mount Saint Mary College
community.

Invited by the Catholic and Dominican Institute, Sr.
Kennedy presented the college’s Aquinas and Ralph Scholars with
their honor cords, to be worn at graduation. Aquinas Scholars are
juniors or seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.60. Ralph Scholars are
sophomores with a GPA of 3.40 or greater, who have received the
recommendation of at least two faculty members.

Right: Emily Blew of Columbus, NJ examines her new honor cord.
The black and white cords, the same colors as the Dominican cross,
serve as a reminder of the Mount’s motto, “Doce Me Veritatem”
(Teach Me the Truth).

Sr. Kennedy discussed the college’s Dominican Heritage, and its
tradition of study and academic excellence.

“A tradition is a precious living legacy that gives us our
identity,” she explained. “That identity is not dependent on a
white habit, but rather on the collaborations of persons who share
the vision, who understand the meaning and the history and the
grace of the tradition, and who have a similar passion for truth,
for study, for contemplation, for community. That’s why you’re
here.”

She told the scholars that while they are the beneficiaries of
the college’s traditions, it is also up to them to continue those
traditions.

“Become men and women who are rooted in, and transformed by, and
nurtured from, that transition,” she said. “Tonight we say to you
scholars, you’re becoming what we hope you’ll become.”

The Catholic and Dominican Institute, directed by Charles Zola,
assistant professor of philosophy, promotes the heritage at Mount
Saint Mary College; advances the Dominican charism of study and
service; provides a forum for discussion of contemporary ethical
issues; and enhances Catholic and Jewish dialogue.